[From Wonder-working Providence of Sions Saviour in New England. 1654.]

Of the wonder-working providences of Christ, wrought for his people among our English Nation, both in our Native country, and also in New England, which should stir us up to mourn for all our miscarriages much the more.

A The consideration of the wonderful providence of Christ in planting his New England Churches, and with the right hand of his power preserving, protecting, favoring, and feeding them upon his tender knees, together with the ill requital of his all-infinite and undeserved mercies bestowed upon us, hath caused many a soul to lament for the dishonor done to his Name, and fear of his casting off this little handful of his, and the insulting of the enemy, whose sorrow is set forth in these four first staffs of verses.

B The Rod of God toward us in our Maritime affairs manifested, not only to our own shipping, but strangers; as the Mary Rose blown up in Charles River, and sunk in a moment, with about thirteen men slain therein. As also one Capt. Chadwicks Pinnace, and about four men slain therein, beside what hath been formerly said touching our own shipping.

C Of the Lords hand against our Land affairs, as is heretofore expressed; and also in the sudden taking away many mens estates by fire, and chiefly by a most terrible fire which happened in Charles-Town, in the depth of Winter, 1650, by a violent wind blown from one house to another, to the consuming of the fairest houses in the Town. Under the pretence of being unequally rated, many men murmur exceedingly and withdraw their shoulders from the support of Government, to the great discouragement of those that govern, 1651. Pride and excess in apparel is frequent in these days, when the Lord calls his people to humiliation and humble acknowledgment of his great deliverances; and that which is far worse, spiritual pride, to show ourselves to be somebody, often step out of our ranks, and delight in newfangled doctrines.

D An over-eager desire after the world hath so seized on the spirits of many, that the chief end of our coming hither is forgotten; and notwithstanding all the powerful means used, we stand at a stay, as if the Lord had no farther work for his people to do, but every bird to feather his own nest.

E The Lords taking away by death many of his most eminent servants from us, shows that either the Lord will raise up another people to himself to do his work, or raise us up by his Rod to a more eager pursuit of his work, even the planting of his Churches the world throughout. The Lord converts and calls forth of their graves men to fight his battles against the enemies of his truth.